Main Cast: David Bowie, Garwin Sanford, Teryl Rothery
Release Year: 2000
Country: CA
Run Time: 113 minutes
Plot
Owen Walters (Bill Switzer) is a terminally ill 12-year-old boy. He and some of his friends, who are also sick, deal with the typical preteen realities of life -- bullies, parents, and sports -- but their lives are haunted by their apparent short life expectancies. Owen has developed a special bond with his somewhat eccentric next-door neighbor, Mr. Rice (David Bowie), who opens Owen's mind to ideas of philosophy. Sadly, Mr. Rice dies. But Owen discovers that Mr. Rice, in the days before his death, prepared an elaborate treasure hunt that only Owen, if he uses all the planted clues, can find. Owen and his friends go to great lengths and against great odds to find the treasure, and when Owen finds it, he discovers the treasure is buried inside himself. ~ Buzz McClain, All Movie Guide
Review
The touching ending is a bountiful payoff for those who have been suffering through the occasionally maudlin aspects of this film. Mr. Rice's Secret is the rare family film that dares tackle a heavy theme -- death -- from a child's perspective, and for that it should be applauded. There are moments that are overwrought and sappy, but given the material, how could it be avoided? The pacing and level of suspense is ideal for preteens, who won't mind the occasional emotional manipulation, but some parents watching with their kids may be shocked to see that one of the clues for Owen to find requires he and his young friends to exhume the body. Just keep saying, "It's only a movie, it's only a movie." The production values are good, and David Bowie fans rarely see their hero in such a charming, down to earth role. The two twists in the last reel -- the treasure and what Owen does with it -- are endearing. ~ Buzz McClain, All Movie Guide
Gregory Mah - Costume Designer, Pete Whyte - First Assistant Director, Nicholas Kendall - Director, Ron Yoshida - Editor, Beau Rogers - Executive Producer, David Forrest - Executive Producer, Simon Kendall - Composer (Music Score), Jullian Scott - Production Designer, Gregory Middleton - Cinematographer, David Birdsall - Set Designer, Ralph Parker - Sound/Sound Designer, Steve Smith - Sound/Sound Designer
